The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics

Enlightenment Philosophies

A philosophical movement in the 18th century emphasizing reason over tradition in government organization and function.

Social Contract (Hobbes)

The agreement where individuals sacrifice some freedoms for government protection, advocating for an absolute monarch.

Natural Rights (Locke)

Rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property, which governments must protect.

Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)

The division of government into three branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Public Sovereignty

The principle that government power derives from the consent of the governed, as seen in elections and protests.

The Declaration of Independence

A document written by Thomas Jefferson listing grievances against King George III and declaring war against Great Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that established a weak federal government from 1776 to 1781.

Shays’ Rebellion

A 1786-1787 uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, revealing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

The Great Compromise

The agreement at the Constitutional Convention creating a bicameral legislature, combining both Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting enslaved persons as three-fifths of a person for congressional representation and taxation.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong central government and the Constitution; Anti-Federalists preferred power with states and a Bill of Rights.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the U.S., with authority to interpret laws and adjudicate disputes.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison addressing the dangers of factions and advocating for a large republic.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine the constitutionality of legislative acts, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed by law, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice aimed at ending discrimination and segregation against African Americans.

Political Parties

Organized groups of people with similar political ideologies that seek to influence government policy and elections.

Interest Groups

Organizations that advocate for specific interests and attempt to influence policymakers.

Electoral College

The body established in the Constitution to elect the President, consisting of electors from each state.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory advocating for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand.

Social Security

A federal program that provides retirement and disability benefits to qualified individuals.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Legislation aimed at increasing health insurance quality and affordability, providing new protections for health care consumers.